Characterization of volcanic coastal cliff morphology in urban areas

Agnese Messina¹, Alfredo Motta², Simone Mineo² & Giovanna Pappalardo^2
1University of Catania – Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture – Viale Andrea Doria, 6 – Catania (Sicily).
²University of Catania – Geological, biological and environmental department – Corso Italia 57 – Catania (Sicily).
Corresponding author e-mail: alfredo.motta@phd.unict.it

Coastal areas can be considered dynamic environments, where the interaction between natural processes and human presence can lead to significant geomorphological hazards. In urbanized volcanic settings, the rock cliff evolution represents a serious threat to the safety of infrastructures and settlements located along the coast. This study provides a preliminary geomorphological and geostructural characterization of the rock masses along the Catania city seafront using satellite imagery and airborne photogrammetry. This approach allowed characterizing the cliff morphology, surveying the main rock mass discontinuities, as well as recognizing the features associated with the coastal evolution. The results highlight that the coastal morphology is particularly controlled by structural and erosional mechanisms, providing useful insights for future risk assessment studies and the definition of territorial management plans.

rock coast evolution, photogrammetry, urban area, rock mass survey.